On October 16, 1934, Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Section of Panting and Sculpture (later known as the Section of Fine Arts). The Section, as it was called, invited artists across the country to beautify public buildings, including many post offices.
On October 15, 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed legislation establishing the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on the shore of Lake Superior. It was the first national lakeshore in the United States.
Raymond “Ray” Clarence Ewry was born on October 14, 1873, in Lafayette, Indiana. An eight-time gold medal winner, Ewry was one of the most successful Olympians of all time.
On October 13, 1775, the Second Continental Congress authorized the creation of a Navy. The Continental Navy contributed to the American victory in the Revolutionary War, but was disbanded after the conflict ended.
The first Oktoberfest began on October 12, 1810. Initially a celebration for the crowned prince’s wedding, it’s grown to become the largest folk festival in the world.
On October 11, 1779, Polish General Casimir Pulaski died fighting in the American Revolution. During his two years fighting for the American cause, he earned the respect and admiration of men on both sides of the conflict.
Jazz pianist and composer Thelonious Sphere Monk was born on October 10, 1917, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Known for his unique improvisational style, he’s the second-most-recorded jazz composer following Duke Ellington.
On October 9, 1920, President Woodrow Wilson issued the first presidential proclamation of Fire Prevention Day. Fire Prevention Day is held in October to commemorate and remind us of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
On October 8, 1793, statesman, merchant, accused smuggler, and patriot John Hancock died at his home in Boston, Massachusetts. Most famous for his large signature on the Declaration of Independence, he was a very influential Founding Father.